How to read Windows Update logs in Windows 10

How to read Windows Update logs in Windows 10

In Windows 10, Windows Update uses Event Tracing for Windows (ETW) to generate logs. This method improves performance and reduces disk space usage. However, the logs are not immediately readable as written.

But old WindowsUpdate.log file is still located under the Windows to inform users about the change. This is what you get when you open it.

Windows Update logs are now generated using ETW (Event Tracing for Windows).Please run the Get-WindowsUpdateLog PowerShell command to convert ETW traces into a readable WindowsUpdate.log.For more information, please visit http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=518345

As it says the Windows PowerShell cmdlet is available to decode the ETL files and creates a readable log like old ones.

You can use Get-WindowsUpdateLog to decode your ETL files into a readable text log on your desktop.